Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 loaf of Italian bread, sliced
- 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, peeled and halved
- 8 oz. of Stracchino di Bufala cheese, sliced
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Grill or grill pan
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Brush both sides of the bread slices with olive oil.
3. Place the bread slices on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until lightly charred.
4. Rub the garlic clove halves over the top of each bread slice.
5. Place a slice of Stracchino di Bufala cheese on each bread slice.
6. Sprinkle chopped basil leaves over the cheese.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve immediately.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 6 minutes
Temperature:
Grill or grill pan at medium-high heat
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 350
Total fat: 25g
Saturated fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 450mg
Total carbohydrates: 23g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 10g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Italian bread can be substituted with French bread or baguette.
- Stracchino di Bufala cheese can be substituted with any soft cheese like Brie or Camembert.
- Fresh basil leaves can be substituted with dried basil leaves.
Variations:
- Add sliced tomatoes on top of the cheese for a Caprese-style bruschetta.
- Add sliced prosciutto or salami on top of the cheese for a meaty bruschetta.
- Add sliced olives or roasted red peppers on top of the cheese for a Mediterranean-style bruschetta.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to brush both sides of the bread slices with olive oil to prevent them from sticking to the grill.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the Stracchino di Bufala cheese to prevent it from crumbling.
- Serve the bruschetta immediately after assembling to prevent the bread from getting soggy.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftover bruschetta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the bruschetta in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the bruschetta on a platter and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Garnishes:
Fresh basil leaves
Pairings:
This bruschetta pairs well with a glass of red wine like Chianti or Pinot Noir.
Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Grilled shrimp skewers
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the bread slices are too thick, they may not cook through on the grill. Use a serrated knife to slice the bread thinly.
- If the cheese is not melting, cover the grill with a lid or foil to create a steamy environment.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the bread slices thoroughly to prevent any foodborne illness.
- Store any leftover bruschetta in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days.
Food history:
Bruschetta is a traditional Italian appetizer that originated in central Italy. It is typically made with grilled bread rubbed with garlic and topped with tomatoes, olive oil, and salt. This variation with Stracchino di Bufala cheese is a modern twist on the classic recipe.
Flavor profiles:
This Stracchino di Bufala bruschetta is creamy, tangy, and herbaceous with a crispy and slightly charred bread base.
Serving suggestions:
Serve this Stracchino di Bufala bruschetta as an appetizer or a light lunch.
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Region: Italian